Suntory Global Spirits is to merge its operations teams at its Bowmore and Laphroaig distilleries on Islay “to align production with long-term demand”.
The US-headquartered spirits giant is to offer some staff voluntary redundancy as part of the move.
The programme was “entirely voluntary”, and was being offered “as an option for colleagues who feel that the new single‑team structure may not suit their individual needs”, an SGS spokesperson said.
“These are responsible, forward‑looking adjustments to balance distillation with maturing inventory and protect the long‑term health of the brands,” the spokeswoman said. “Bowmore and Laphroaig both continue to distil, and there are no plans to close either distillery.”
Bowmore and Laphroaig remained “strategic priority brands” for SGS and would be supported with “a strong capital investment programme” over the next three years, the spokeswoman added.
Alistair Longwell, head of distilling and environment at Suntory Global Spirits, said: “Bowmore and Laphroaig are iconic scotch whisky brands with exceptional heritage and craft, and they are long-term priorities for Suntory Global Spirits.
“As part of our commitment to producing whisky of the highest quality in a sustainable and efficient way, we are making operational adjustments on Islay to align production with long‑term demand.
“Distillation continues at both distilleries, and we remain fully committed to Islay, our people, and the communities that have supported these whiskies for generations.”
It comes with the scotch whisky category suffering from a global downturn in sales, driven by tariffs, declining alcohol consumption and cost of living pressures.
In 2025, scotch exports fell by 0.6% in value on volumes down 4.3%, SWA figures released earlier this month showed.
The downturn has forced Diageo to scale back production at some of its distilleries to “balance capacity against current demand”.
Other distilleries including Ian Macleod Distillers-owned Rosebank and Brown-Forman’s Glenglassaugh have pulled back on production and announced restructuring moves in recent months.
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